Digital Economy Bill approved by the UK House of Lords

The Digital Economy Bill has been approved by the UK House of Lords on March 15, 2010. The Bill includes a “three strikes” rule that would allow a suspension of Internet access of persistent online copyright infringers.

The Digital Economy Bill was presented by the UK government in November 2009. It puts in place a “graduated response” against alleged file sharers. According to the Bill’s provisions, internet service providers would have to issue notices to online copyright infringers. Repeated offenders could face a suspension of their Internet access.

To enter into force, the Bill still needs to be approved by the House of Commons, the lower house of Parliament.

The UK government is also planning to introduce new amendments that would require Internet service providers to block websites hosting a “substantial” amount of pirated contents.

See also:

• Draft UK law allows the suspension of Internet access as a measure against online piracy

• 04-04-2010